The 4 DISC Styles

Have you ever wondered why your sibling or spouse is so assertive? Why does your coworker seem to focus on the facts and analyze everything so much? And still another coworker takes way too much risk? In this short article on DISC styles, we'll discover what people's behaviors reflect and you'll get some great insights on how to connect with each style.

Every person is unique in the way they communicate and connect with others. This "style" of behavior can be discovered through a DISC Assessment and is based on over 40 years of research. In fact, the accuracy of these assessments is close to a .90 alpha value or excellent reliability. Despite our uniquenesses, with a DISC Assessment, we can categorize people into 4 specific Disc styles. Making understanding these 4 styles such a valuable tool for communication.

When we understand the basics of these DISC styles and observe them in other people, we can then begin to adjust how we communicate. This gives each of us a clearer understanding of ourselves and others. Providing opportunities to better connect and communicate. Let's start with a simple summary of each DISC style.

D-STYLE

The D-Style or Dominance Style is assertive, competitive, and results-oriented. They are direct in their communication and desire to accomplish things quickly. D-Styles stay more focused on goals than people, they love to solve problems. Because of this, the D-Style is much more likely to have a task orientation in their work and to present themselves to others in a guarded way, limited sharing of personal life.

The intensity of your D-Style behavior will determine how you solve problems. The more intense your Dominance behavior the more aggressive you are in your approach to problem-solving. The less intense, the more reflective you will be. Are you more reflective or aggressive?

I-STYLE

The I-Style or Influencing Style is the persuasive style. They love to interact with people in open and engaging ways. They are direct in their communications like the D-Style but in a more socially friendly way. Many I-Styles bring an encouraging element to the conversation and environment. Because of this, the I-Style is open and direct and they accomplish things through people and relationship, rather than tasks.

The way one influences others will determine the intensity of his or her I-Style behavior. Do you influence others based on facts or feelings? This looks like the friend that "sells" the movie to you via stories and emotions vs. the friend that gives you the analytics of the quality of filming, accuracy to real life, and other facts to support the movie's validity.

S-STYLE

The S-Style or Steady Style loves routine, they are very compliant and bring much stability to the team and environment. They are great supporters and bring harmony to situations. Relational by nature, S-Styles get things done through people and collaboration. As a result, they are less direct and slower to resolve problems or make changes than both the I and D-Styles.

The way one approaches change will determine the intensity of the S-Style behavior. The higher intensity S-Style is more resistant to change. Whereas the lower intensity S-Style is more accepting of change. This can be seen in a workplace where employees desire more explanation and details to why policy change is necessary and required. What is your approach to change in your life?

C-STYLE

The C-Style or Conscientious Style is very contemplative and lives his or her life based on analysis, standards, and structure. They are great organizers and are very precise and have high standards in their work and life. As a result of their high standards and analysis, they accomplish work at a slower pace and prefer less direct communication and interaction, making them a more guarded style.

The way one makes decisions will determine the intensity of the C-Style behavior. The higher intensity will reflect a cautious approach to decisions. Whereas the lower intensity C-Style will reflect a more spontaneous approach. Industries that require a high degree of detail and follow-through are a great fit for C-Styles. They do not need a lot of people contact to accomplish their work. Are you cautious or spontaneous in your decisions?

The table below gives a simple summary of each style. Can you find yourself on this table? What about a friend or your spouse?

EACH STYLE SIMPLIFIED

If you want to take a deeper dive and learn what your DISC Style means for understanding yourself and others, email us to learn more about a 60-minute debrief.